The #86

So we've been here for 3 weeks.  Pretty amazing to think it has been that long.  We are settling into a bit of a routine and picking up a few words and expressions.  I am beginning to look the right direction when I cross the road but not sure I'm ready to drive a car yet (my brain still thinks it's the wrong side of the road). I'll have to brave it soon, there are a large number of great wineires close by in the Yara Valley.  The closest is about a 30 minute drive from here.  The area is an emerging wine region and is getting alot of recognition. 

My classes don't start until the 1st of March although I'm spending a good bit of time preping for my research (the joys of a human subject committee in another country) and meeting with a colleague here I will be co-teaching a theories/skills class with.  Our collaboration has produced some wonderful and very exciting conversations.  She has a doc in philosophy as well as psychology and trained with Michael White at Dulwhich. Our discussions take off rapidly and soar all over the place. Tremendously productive for the mind of someone on sabbatical who loves the freedom of loose association and conversation without boundaries.  However not very productive in creating a course structure that will use both our talents effectively.  It's fun.

Granted we've not been anywhere else in Australia yet (beyond our hectic and stressful jaunt through the Sidney airport),  howevere we are getting a feeling for the unique character of Melbourne.  I used the term colorful in an earlier post.  Edgy and gritty may be a better descriptor.  It is a very large city which seems to go on for ever at times. It seems no matter where you are that spot exists on it's own.  Shops, bakerys, restuarants, cafe's & coffee shops are everywhere and they are all small, unique and have a character of their own.  What are dollar stores in the US, are 2 dollar stores here (that about reflects the difference in cost of living here) but they are not the shiney strip mall stores you see there -  they are narrow, crowded open front shops that spill out onto the sidewalk with bins of everything imaginable.  Fresh foods, baked goods, meats and fish abound.  Even with the larger chain grocery stores there is a separate butcher, bakery and fish counter that is attached but outside the store.  What appeared to be seedy to us at first now seems to reflect the character of the city.  Not totally sure what to make of it all yet but it is becoming familiar.

I have spoken of my tram ride (#86 Docklands/Bundoora RMIT) before and of the grafitti everywhere which has become street art. This link will take you to a great site that is dedicated to the #86 tram - the art and unique sites you will find along the way.  It is worth taking some time to explore the site - you will see the sites I see as I ride into the CBD:

Melbourne Street Art on Tram #86


Here are some of my photos from the tram ride: